Qatar Emir Warns Gulf at 'Most Dangerous Phase' in UN Speech, Calls for Strait of Hormuz Reopening Through Diplomacy as Trump and Pezeshkian Gather in New York

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani told the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2026 that the Gulf is experiencing one of the most dangerous phases due to the US-Israel war on Iran, warning the crisis was the cumulative result of years of postponing diplomatic resolutions and calling for a regional system of collective security. Speaking from the UN podium in New York, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar remains convinced that the crisis in the Gulf can be resolved through diplomatic means, through reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime navigation, in order to avert war, reaffirming Qatar's role as a trusted mediator. The Emir described the absence of a regional system of collective security that respects sovereignty, integrity, and territorial unity as the essence of the dangerous situation, adding that in the absence of such a system it has become possible for a war to erupt. Qatar is doing everything in our power to address the conflict through diplomatic means but remains steadfast in defending its territory and sovereignty, he said. His comments came as both US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian were in New York for the General Assembly, with Trump later revealing that US and Iranian officials had held a three-hour meeting on the sidelines, describing the talks as very good, though no direct meeting between the presidents was planned.